- ./configure is run
- basic parameters are 
  calculated
- config.status is 
  instantiated

- Each test, may require:
    - library to be compiled using
      some parameters
    - a list of requirements to be
      satisfied by the system
    - binaries to be prepared and
      compiled using some parameters
    - binaries and library to be linked
      several times
    - several input and output to be
      checked